The takeaway: Through the eyes of a child, a funeral is not an ordinary day. There are many unfamiliar places, people behavior is sober, and the whole day has an unexplained solemnity to it. But the best part of the day is when you get together with your family, thus make it comfortable and welcoming. Continue reading The Funeral by Matt James→

The takeaway: Sometimes is hard to keep doing the right thing especially when others push you in the wrong direction. But as hard at it may be and long as it may take, doing the right thing feels good and sooner or later others will follow. Continue reading A Hen for Izzy Pippik by Aubrey Davis→

This book is about not taking “no” for an answer. If you believe in something, you can do it. Just like little Fanny. When her mother said “no”, she doesn’t give up (which, to be realistic, should just be the exception from the rule, not the norm). When her friends say “no”, she also perseveres until they change their minds. Continue reading Fanny by Holly Hobbie→

Storyline: Based on several true accounts, this book tells the story of a little girl determined to pass on the gift she had received from strangers, that made her dream come true. This book is not to be confused with “Misty of Continue reading My Chincoteague Pony by Susan Jeffers→

Storyline: Little Ree is about seven or eight years old when she moves to her grandparents’ ranch to be a country girl. She brings with all her toys, her pets, the brother and the parents. And of course, all her excitement. But she’s not sure if this life is for her. Continue reading Little Ree by Ree Drummond→

Storyline: The heroin of this book, a girl about seven years old, lives in a big city. There, people are very busy and everything is monochromatic, shades of brown perhaps (or rather gray which, as right now, I find it highly inappropriate to speak of, thanks to that writer, you know who). The only bright spots are her toys, a scooter, a kite, a pencil, all red. Continue reading Journey by Aaron Becker→

Storyline: Mama Frances is in the kitchen, preparing vegetables for cooking when ‘Tricia Ann asks her if she can go Someplace Special all by herself. She’s all dressed up in a nice blue dress with a yellow ribbon, a hat, and a hand purse. ‘Tricia Ann is about 12 years old but as her grandmother, Mama Frances, says, “goin’ off alone is a mighty big step”. Continue reading Goin’ Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack→

Storyline: Our character lives in a city where nothing grows, where people are harsh and mean, and where everything is grey and nobody smiles. Her heart is shriveled and she lives by stealing from people like her, who have only as much as they need to survive. She is a thief crawling the dark streets in search of easy victims to prey. One night she sees an old woman with a big bag. Continue reading The Promise by Nicola Davies→